Page 58 of Dagger

“Dani,” I started, and pinched the bridge of my nose.

“Daddy,” she began as a pout formed on her lips.

“Give us a few moments. Okay, kiddo?” I tried to keep my voice as level as possible, but inside I felt like I was a wound-up coil.

Her gaze bounced between us as if she could read the tension. “Okay. But don’t finish without me, okay?”

Sinclair nodded and offered up a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “I won’t. Promise.” She stared at me until Dani’s door clicked shut, and then her eyes slammed shut and she exhaled. “What’s going on?”

I forced my eyes to her, taking in the wary expression. “You told me you didn’t know anyone called Nick.”

“I don’t.”

“What about your brother?”

She blinked quickly and then her eyes widened.

Chapter 31

Sinclair

“My what?”

“Nicholas Rain,” Dagger said, pulling his phone out of his pocket.

I looked up, “I don’t have a brother, so whoever told you that is wrong.”

He shoved his phone in my face, swiping screen after screen. “Does he look familiar?”

It was the man I’d seen at the bake sale—and again at the deli today. “I don’t know him, but I’ve seen him twice. He showed up at the bake sale at school a few weeks ago. And he was at the deli when I got my lunch today.”

I took a step back trying to make sense of it all. “You say he’s my brother?”

Dagger nodded, his expression softening.

“He bought my lemon coconut bars and…” I faltered and covered my mouth. “Oh my god, I told him they were my father’s favorite.” I couldn’t breathe, couldn’t actually catch my breath.

I focused on the screen, unable to look away from his face. There was no indication, no similarities between us. He had blond hair to my brown. He was tall, whereas I was just over five feet tall. But on closer inspection, I could see the slight similarities. Something in the shape of his jawline reminded me of my father.

I dropped Dagger’s phone on the counter as if it were to blame for the turmoil that wrecked my body on the inside. Another one of my father’s secrets came to bite me in the ass.

“My father…” The words stuck in my throat like sand. “He had another child?” I didn’t even realize I was shaking until Dagger’s hand wrapped gently around my wrist, grounding me.

“Sinclair,” he said softly, the edge of his earlier frustration now dulled, replaced with concern. “I don’t know the whole story. Slate’s still looking into it, but your father had another family.”

I let the name wash over me like ice water. “But he never… he never said anything. When was this?”

“Nicholas is almost ten years older than you. Maybe he met his mother before he got with your mom? I just… I need you to know what we’re dealing with. It looks like he’s got some kind of twisted vendetta.”

I let out a bitter laugh, trying to ignore the sting behind my eyes. “Because nothing in my life can ever be simple.” My knees gave way, and I sank onto the kitchen stool. “What does he want from me? I didn’t even know he existed.”

Dagger crouched in front of me, eyes locked on mine. “I don’t know yet. But we’re gonna figure it out. I swear it. No one’s gonna hurt you—not while I’m breathing.”

I looked down, my lips trembling. I wasn’t sure if I could take any more surprises. I was still reeling after my doctor’s appointment. I had to figure out a way to tell Dagger about the pregnancy, but now wasn’t the time. “This is too much.”

“You’re not alone in this,” he said, voice hardening with resolve. “We’re gonna find out what this guy’s deal is. If he’s got something against you or if he’s just… unstable. Whatever it is, we’ll handle it.”

He reached out, resting a hand on my knee. “But I need you to trust me, Sinclair. I can’t protect you if you shut me out.”

---